Conditions for Funding
As defined in its charter, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS is active in the areas of science and research, education and training, and art and culture. In addition to being an important source of funding, the foundation also initiates its own projects. In 2000, it launched the Bucerius Law School, Germany’s first private law school, and in 2002 it established the Bucerius Kunst Forum, an international exhibition venue located adjacent to Hamburg's city hall.
Depending on the area of funding, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS has different substantive and regional focal points. As a non-profit foundation, it exclusively supports non-profit entities. It does not offer funding to remedy general budget gaps.
The charter of the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS can be found here (in German).
The text below presents our areas of funding. Further down, you will find frequently asked questions about applications for funding.
Scholarship & Research
In addition to its commitment to legal scholarship – relating especially to Bucerius Law School, established by the foundation in 2000 – the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS generally aspires to promoting scientific communication in respect of scholarly inquiry and research. It is also committed to protecting academic freedom. Scholarship programs such as "Uncertainty," forums promoting interdisciplinary exchange, symposia, debate series, and projects that serve to develop support structures, like "Expertise unter Druck" [Expertise under Pressure], reinforce the efforts of researchers in the fields of law, humanities, and the social sciences. The aim of these programs is to help find medium-term solutions for pressing social problems. Toward this end, it is essential to inform the public of academic findings at an early stage, thereby counteracting misinformation and contributing to an informed citizenry. In the field of scholarship and research, the foundation supports in particular projects in Hamburg, Germany, central and eastern Europe, and Israel.
Education
In the field of education and training, the foundation primarily initiates programs of its own design aimed at promoting educational equality, participation, and democracy. The focus is on providing individual support to children and young individuals in need of assistance. In this sense, the various modules of the mentoring program "WEICHENSTELLUNG" [Setting the Course] offer guidance at crucial stages of life.
The ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS is also active in primary schools, with projects and initiatives such as "Mehr Männer in Grundschulen" [More Men in Primary Schools], since it is as these early points in life when the course is set for democratic coexistence and educational equality.
As a further effort, the program "Gemeinsam wachsen" [Growing Together] stages schools workshops that aim to promote an understanding of democracy. Here, young people learn how they can interact with one another in an open and respectful manner founded on mutual acceptance.
Art & Culture
Alongside its role as the initiator and ongoing backer of the Bucerius Kunst Forum, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS focuses in the field of art and culture on the disciplines of theater, the visual arts, literature, music, monument protection, and cultural preservation. As a Hamburg-based foundation, it supports in particular creative artists and cultural institutions located in Hamburg and northern Germany.
Film and dance are not among the main areas of focus. The foundation also generally refrains from subsidizing printing costs.
In the field of literature, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS has a unique commitment to the Literaturhaus Hamburg.
The landmarked villa in which it sits is owned by the Stiftung and is made available to the Literaturhaus e.V. free of charge.
When assessing funding requests, the foundation looks first to projects supporting the next generation of talented artists, fostering artistic engagement with social issues, ensuring the preservation and communication of cultural heritage, and strengthening cultural participation. With its program for the protection of landmarked churches and memorial sites, it also strives to support the preservation of cultural heritage in northern Germany. The ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS is also committed to a robust culture of remembrance and to making Jewish life and culture visible in Hamburg and northern Germany.
Supporting Freedom of the Press
In the field of media, the foundation sponsors and initiates projects that defend press freedom and create space for independent journalism – especially in Germany and eastern Europe. Among other results, its efforts enable projects providing orientation in a contemporary world where disinformation is spreading rapidly and endangering democracy. The focus is on promoting media literacy and teaching journalistic skills, thereby giving individuals a basis upon which they can freely form their own opinions. With this in mind, the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS, together with the Deichtorhallen Hamburg, has founded a new center for visual media in the House of Photography.
Politics & Society
In the area of politics and society, the foundation focuses on strengthening democracy, exploring the topics of global governance and European cohesion, and stimulating socio-political debate. It promotes efforts fostering critical engagement with social and political developments as well as projects that strengthen democratic values and political awareness. Particularly in eastern Germany, where democracy and its institutions are coming under increasing pressure, the foundation supports democratic civil society and creates collaborative networks with projects such as the joint initiative "Zukunftswege Ost" [Paths Forward in the East].
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about requests for funding
- How can I apply for funding?
The easiest way to apply for funding is to use the application form found on our website. - Who can I contact if I have questions about the application form?
Philippe Gaspoz (gaspoz@zeit-stiftung.de) and Saskia Helin (helin@zeit-stiftung.de ) will be happy to answer your questions. - In what areas does the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS provide support?
Our charter stipulates the funding areas of scholarships and research, art and culture, and education and training. In addition, we have set funding priorities in the areas of press freedom as well as politics and society. As a rule, we cannot support purposes outside the scope of our charter or our designated priorities (e.g. social projects or sports). - Does the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS exclusively support charitable projects?
Yes! In accord with our charter, the foundation pursues exclusively charitable purposes within the meaning of "Tax-privileged purposes" as set out in the German Tax Code. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a charitable purpose. - What criteria are used to decide on funding?
In addition to examining the charitable nature of the project and its alignment with our funding priorities and the areas set out in our charter, our assessment will focus on the project’s innovative capacity, sustainability, interconnectedness and ability to create synergy effects (preferably across national borders), and originality. The foundation also attaches great importance to an applicant’s own contributions and efforts to attract funding partners. - Who decides on the funding of a project?
Depending on the amount of funding requested, the decision will be made by the executive board, the head of the relevant division, or the board of trustees. In cases where specialist expertise is required, external experts are consulted and asked to provide their qualified opinion. - Can I receive funding as a private individual?
Private individuals can receive funding only within the framework of scholarship programs. It is not possible to award individual scholarships. - Does the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS subsidize printing costs?
As a general rule, the foundation does not grant printing subsidies. An exception is made for publications within the scope of our own projects. - Does the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS also provide sponsorships or donations in kind?
No, we do not provide sponsorships or donations in kind.